Monthly Archives: June 2012

I recently came across this post via The Knot about 7 easy steps to throwing a bachelorette party. Yes, if you are a novice at bachelorette party planning these are all great tips for organizing your first one. However, I felt the impulse to create my own post equipped with 10 legitimate, realistic do’s and don’ts.

1. Do NOT invite every single girl you know. A Bachelorette party should be an event you will never forget with your closest friends. In my experience I find that keeping it intimate is best and much simpler to organize. Put a cap on it around 12 guests- especially if you are going out-of-town for the big weekend. If the 12 you have on the list can’t all attend don’t feel obligated to fill the spots. We all know that you have 25 girl friends that you adore. However, they will most likely be at your wedding to celebrate with you so don’t feel the need to invite everyone. You will be happier that you didn’t when the time comes.

2. If you are planning an out-of-town affair make sure that everyone pays you upfront. Even if you are asking for funds three months in advance- have them write you a check or send cash. That way if anyone backs out at the last-minute who had originally committed to going- you are not left with the extra tab. ** Make sure you put deadlines on when money is owed. You do not have to be OCD about it, but it is way easier to keep order if you stick to certain dates.

3. Try to be as considerate as possible. If you are a bride planning a wedding on a super tight budget- assume your bachelorette party guests are on a tight budget as well. Odds are not everyone is as financially stable as you assume. With that being said- Do NOT expect your friends and bridesmaids to shell out $600-$1000 for your bachelorette bash or at least confirm that they have the means to do so beforehand. You can still have a blast going out in your hometown or the nearest big city if not everyone is on board for a Vegas weekend. Chances are you have a close friend planning this- make sure she knows everyone is on a budget and to put a cap on it.

4. Brides- Do NOT expect your friends to cover your part. Your maids have already spent $300 on that designer dress you wanted, $50 for the shoes, $40 for makeup & hair,$100 on gifts, and $250 for a hotel room. Yes all these things come with the territory, but if you cannot afford to cover your part for your bachelorette party then you should probably consider making other plans. At least take into account what your girls have already put up to be part of the big day.

5. Make sure everyone who you have invited is on board with the plans. Not everyone is comfortable with male strippers. Or if it is a budgetary concern forego the Mani’s and Pedi’s and have your own nail party. Everyone has a cabinet full of OPI and Essie anyways.

6. Travel plans these days aren’t cheap. Gas is outrageous, flight prices are always changing, and sometimes your time isn’t worth the cost of a 2 or 3 day trip. If not everyone is accessible to leave town but you want your friends to be there then you may want to rearrange your plans. If changing the plan is not a possibility you could even organize a girl’s night out for your hometown ladies then do a weekend away with your bridesmaids. There is ALWAYS another way to include people.

7. Instead of expecting your ladies to host shower after shower for you, consider combining your bachelorette weekend into a party/shower. No one wants to see you opening lingerie in front of your 80-year-old grandmother. Save the lingerie shower and dirty games for your girl’s weekend away.

8. Your bride should not have to pay for her drinks, however it is a nice gesture for her to buy everyone a round of shots.

9. Don’t let your bride wear a penis crown or anything phallic out in public. She will look back on the pictures and regret it. Save the wieners for the lingerie shower.

10. If you have certain friends who cannot handle their booze then cut them off or designate a babysitter. Your BFF doesn’t need an 8th Vodka Tonic. Order her a club soda and call it a night.

Let’s be honest, ladies.. Who doesn’t LOVE Brunch? Not only can you be super crafty when creating a menu, but it is also a completely acceptable reason to start cocktailing at 11:00 a.m. Hosting a brunch is also a perfect excuse to dress fabulously with all your girls and try out all of those recipes you have been collecting on Pinterest. So whether you are hosting a shower, or a post bachelorette party gathering – here are some lovely inspirations to help you ease into hosting a brilliant, blissful brunch.

A Bloody Mary or Mimosa Bar is a fun way for everyone to have the option to make their concoction. You also have the power to be as creative with it as you want.

For those who are non-drinkers or do not prefer to start drinking before 1 in the afternoon – this infused water bar makes for a delicious and refreshing option. You could also do lemonade or an array of iced teas if preferred.

Quiche, Biscuits, and a delightful assortment of seasonal fruits are just a few suggestions for hosting the perfect mid afternoon gathering. A biscuit bar loaded with honey and jam is an easy go to when hours of early preparation is not your idea of a good time. Many biscuit recipes can be made in advance and baked off before you need them hot and fresh. If you like what you see in the first picture then you absolutely have to check out this easy brunch menu compliments of Southern Living. For other great shower inspirations check out Hostess with the Mostess.

Veggies are always a big hit and an easy go to. To make it more fun and festive try using vases for the veggies and martini glasses for the dip instead of a boring old platter. This is so simple to create and definitely easy on the eyes.

Finger foods and small bites are such a wonderful idea when you know you are going to be up socializing with your closest gals. These tiny bites are definitely cute but can be time-consuming to assemble. If you have a larger group coming you may want to consider hiring a caterer. However if you are the Martha Stewart type then this should be an easy feat. Just be prepared for an early morning.

Just remember that presentation is key. Go that extra mile to do fresh flower arrangements or splurge for real cocktail glasses instead of pink Dixie cups. You may have the best tasting food in the world, but everyone will remember the tiny elements and attention to detail you put into your soiree. By the end of brunch all the ladies will be singing your praises.

A Bachelorette party is a very special, and one of the most remembered times on a bride’s journey to her special day. Although many lucky brides are blessed with friends and family who end up throwing numerous showers, brunches, and teas- there is nothing like the final fling before the ring with your closest, and best girls. With all the planning involved, making sure this special night is arranged to a tee is a feat in itself- nothing says “I support you” more than going the extra mile to make that coveted night as special and unique as possible. Here are some great inspirations and ideas to give any bachelorette that special added touch.

Decor may not be the most important detail of a bachelorette party, however if you are planning something like a girl’s night in, dinner party, cocktail party etc.. having beautiful decor will make the evening even more special an out of the norm. Pick girly colors, or colors that work with the theme and start from there. From the linens to the cocktail straws, these little touches will not go unnoticed. Pomanders are very cute and easy to make. Not to mention easy on the wallet. Basically all you need it tissue paper, wire and ribbon. Here is a great DIY tutorial courtesy of Martha Stewart.

Speciality cocktails and desserts are easy and delicious. If you have the baking or mixology gene this should be an easy added touch for those of you who are talented in the kitchen or behind the bar. Try something like a champagne cocktail to satisfy everyone’s palate.

Integrate a theme. It does not have to be over the top, but makes for an even more unique, unforgettable evening. Animal print, black and pink, or even an 80’s theme are easy to execute.

Decorate the car. Yes, it is corny and cliché however you only get one chance to do this for your friend. These decals are inexpensive and can be found at any Party City.

Cute accessories like these DIY buttons are super easy to make and turn into great keepsakes.

Make beautiful itineraries for all the party guests. These will keep everyone on the same page and are especially useful for those coming in from out of town.

These days it is so easy to inform your friends about any event under the sun by sending an invitation electronically, but let’s be honest; who doesn’t LOVE getting a fabulous invitation in the mail? Wedding season brings mailboxes full of invitations for the big day, shower invites, and save-the-dates. Not that sending bachelorette party invitations will ever go out of style, but recently more than ever I have noticed an increase in cute, creative, fun invitations. A great invite is the first step in setting the tone for a great girl’s weekend so why not make it unforgettable starting with the invitations? With all the wonder design programs it is as easy as pie to create your own and save a little money. However, if you want to go over the top you can always get a little fancy with it and have them printed, or buy your own special stationary and print them yourselves. The possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favorite samples I have recently seen.

Pink & Gold makes for a stunning, girly invite.

Aqua invites set the tone for a fun, wild bachelorette.

Classy and Playful.

I love this toned down, sweet invitation. Invites are a great way to show the style of the upcoming shindig.

These are so great for a combination bachelorette/lingerie night.

Slim invitations with a vintage feel.

Stunning bridal shower invite which would work for a bachelorette as well. Love this color combo!